Places That Hire at 14 in Columbia, MO: Key Takeaways
- 14-year-olds in Columbia, MO can work entry-level jobs like cashier and food prep assistant mainly in fast food and fast casual restaurants, earning at least $12/hour.
- Missouri law restricts 14- and 15-year-olds' work hours: max 3 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days during the school year; up to 8 hours daily in summer, max 40 hours weekly year-round.
- Hazardous jobs and workplaces with more than 50% alcohol sales are prohibited for minors; work certificates are required before employment.
Teenagers aged 14 in Columbia can find employment in food service roles at popular local restaurants.
This article details job types, places hiring teens at 14, work hour rules, and helpful official resources.
What Types of Jobs Can a 14-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Columbia, MO?
Fourteen-year-olds typically qualify for entry-level positions in restaurants that focus on customer service and basic food tasks.
Common job roles include cashier, food preparation assistant, and dining area attendant.
These jobs involve activities like handling orders, assembling food items, operating registers, serving customers, and cleaning.
Raising South stakeholders emphasize that these roles offer young workers valuable experience with workplace skills and responsibility.
If you are considering how to hire a cashier effectively, our guide to hiring a cashier can provide valuable insights to streamline your recruitment process.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 14 in Columbia, MO
The fast-food sector is the most accessible for younger teens, with several chains hiring 14-year-olds for crew member and customer service positions.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires crew members at 14 to assist with food prep, serving customers, operating registers, and maintaining cleanliness.
For employers looking to hire fast-food workers, this job description for fast-food workers offers a template for crafting an effective job posting.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A employs team members who take orders, prepare food, and ensure dining areas remain tidy.
Culver's
Culver’s offers cashier and food prep jobs for teens, focusing on delivering friendly customer service.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen crew members aged 14 support customer orders, make food items, and help clean the store.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic provides roles such as carhops and kitchen staff for vehicle service and food prep.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 14 in Columbia, MO
Fast-casual dining chains also welcome 14-year-olds eager to learn food service and customer care.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires café associates to assist with orders, food prep, and maintaining a clean environment.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company employs team members at 14 who help with customer service, food prep, and dining area upkeep.
Learning about how to hire servers or waiters can be useful for fast casual restaurants expanding their front of house team.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle offers crew member jobs involving food assembly, customer service, and store cleanliness for young workers.
How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work in Columbia, MO?
State law carefully regulates work hours for 14-year-olds to balance school and employment.
During the school year, work hours are limited to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days.
Weekly, a 14-year-old may work up to 40 hours, with no more than 6 days per week.
In summer breaks, hours extend to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with daily work up to 8 hours and the 40-hour weekly maximum maintained.
Prohibited work includes hazardous occupations such as operating heavy machinery or working in places where alcohol sales exceed 50% of gross receipts.
Resources for 14-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Columbia, MO
- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations - Acceptable Work Hours for Youth
- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations - Work Certificates and Work Permits
- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations - Youth Employment
For young workers interested in kitchen roles, checking out the prep cook job description can give insights into one of the most common entry-level positions in the restaurant industry.








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